How Government Works

This one-day course is a “user guide” for those working in and with the Canadian government and provides an overview of the structures, processes and players of the Canadian government. We will focus on the current context as well as the history, traditions, people and values that shape the decision-making processes and relationships that make the federal government and the professional public service what they are today.

Why this is important?

From cradle to grave, we feel the hand of government in our lives. It is important that we understand the origins, systems, relationships and can navigate the current day reality of our parliamentary system, the institutions of our federal government, such as the Queen, the Governor General, Senate, House of Commons, the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Public Service and the many levels of government in our bilingual, multicultural country.

The role of central agencies and bodies reporting directly to Parliament

The role of the PM as the architect and chair of Cabinet

The relationship between appointed and elected officials

The role of the public servant within the professional public service

The role of the Minister of Finance, not just on tax and fiscal policy but on the larger government agenda

The Westminster model of government, including the roles and responsibilities of Parliament, the judiciary, Cabinet and Ministers and how these work not only at the federal level, but with other levels of government

The geo-political history reflected in Canada’s institution

Who should attend?

Typical attendee profile(s):

All Roles

Those who are new to the federal government, or who require a refresher, will want to take this course. People outside the public service will find it helpful if they are consistently interacting with the federal government or want to know more about the role and functioning of the Canadian government.

What's included

Expert facilitation, lunch and course materials.

Course fee(s)

$990 per attendee

As a not-for-profit organization, the IOG does not charge HST.

Registration is done through an online registration system where you can select to pay by credit card or request an invoice.

Group discounts

If you have more than one person attending, you may be eligible for a group discount. Contact Gérard Étienne for details at 613-562-0090 x237 or getienne@iog.ca.

Main contact

The IOG value-added

All IOG courses are prepared and taught by those who have held senior positions in the federal government. They are guided by a Learning Committee of senior federal government public servants.

For those who wish to have an adapted course that is specific to their issues and requirements, customized course offerings can be delivered on request for branches, teams or groups, in English or French in any part of the country.

The IOG also offers the Coaching Circle, to assist executives and officers at all levels of government as well as non-profit and other organizations in the development of their leadership skills.

OBJECTIVE
We are launching a new research initiative - Civil Society and Governance in Canada: Challenges, Opportunities &amp; the Case for Cross-sectoral Collaboration - on Thursday, October 25 at our offices at 60 George Street from...

What else can the Institute on Governance do for you?

Can IOG Help to Solve Your Governance Issues?

The institute on Governance is a global practitioner in the field of governance. It offers a unique contribution to the public governance dialogue through leading expertise. It provides leading research and expertise and thinking on emerging governance trends as well as options for meeting them. It incorporates these findings directly into its classrooms and advisory work.

The IOG can help governments and organizations respond effectively to this changing world.

It can ensure they understand the importance of governance and good decision making, its benefits, and the costs of its absence. It can bring together the issues and analyze the pressures they face today, it can train its leaders for the public service of tomorrow, it can offer solutions for accomplishing their goals, and it can help them implement the decisions they make.

IOG provides a range of services to help solve all your Governance needs.

Advisory Services

Our highly experienced team of consultants has over 20 years experience exploring and developing innovative approaches to responsible and responsive governance and public sector leadership in Canada and abroad.

Research and Publications

Being the pre-eminent, independent Canadian source of knowledge, research and advice on public governance and its continuous improvement means that we are constantly growing our research to help you ensure good governance.